We are a Church of England Voluntary Controlled school. This means that we are responsible to both the NYCC Local Authority (LA) and Diocesan Education Team. Both the LA and the Diocese offer oversight and guidance in a number of ways, including the appointment of their own school governors to the school’s governing body.

Our school is shaped and flavoured by the principles of the Church of England. Our daily assembly is an act of worship which is led by members of staff, the children and a range of visitors including local Methodist and Anglican clergy. The vicar of St. Thomas the Apostle Church, Revd. Chrissy regularly visits the school, and leads worship both in school and at the church. We have a group of children who help to develop our acts of worship both in and out of school, they are supported by Sister Sheelagh, a retired church army member. (See Pupil Voice for further information)

Each class has their own class prayer and the main Christian festivals are celebrated either within the school or in the local parish church. Our collective worship display board is a focal point in our school hall, as is our collective worship table, where our vicar puppet resides in his liturgical robes. The whole school community contributes to our interactive worship board.

However, there is more to being a school with a Christian heritage, at the centre of the Christian gospel there is a lifestyle, which was illustrated in the life of Jesus. As a school community we aim to imitate this lifestyle in our relationships with each other. We foster a family atmosphere where all people are respected and each child knows that they are important and worthwhile members of the school and wider society. Consideration for others is a priority of our school. Our Christian Values are used as the focus to our planned worship and each classroom has a values area where children are able to nominate their peers if they exemplify a particular value well. (see link to our Christian Values)

Our Christian faith encourages us all to be the best we can and within the school we encourage, and sometimes challenge, the children to achieve the best and not settle for mediocrity. Our Friday assembly is a time of sharing work and achievements - it is the part of the week when the children are publicly praised, not necessarily for being the best but for doing the best they are able. We hold special sharing assemblies for parents at the end of each half term and also to celebrate special days like Mothering Sunday.

Part of the Christian tradition is about being a neighbour and we live this out by playing our part within the community – our Christmas, Easter and Harvest services are in the local parish church, St Thomas’, and we help to celebrate other festivals and events. The school has had a large part to play in Village events like the Coronation Weekend, with children writing to and receiving a reply from the Queen’s lady in waiting, as well as the choir singing. We welcome volunteers from Horizon Life Training, based in the village, and support this Christian Charity.

We also encourage community groups to come and use the premises. We invite members of the village to come to special performances of school productions. We hold a community lunches, with locals sharing lunch with the children and learning more about our school.

The children’s spiritual, moral, social and culture wellbeing is at the heart of what we do.

‘Pupils’ spiritual, moral, social and cultural understanding is excellent. This contributes to their outstanding behaviour and safety. Pupils grow into mature young citizens capable of taking responsibility and helping others. They have a strong desire to learn and their attitudes to all aspects of school life are exemplary.’ Ofsted October 2012.